NEWBERRY – Clutch offensive performances in the late innings of both ends of a doubleheader led Newberry to a sweep of visiting Millersville by scores of 9-6 and 7-6 at the Smith Road Complex.

Newberry (3-2) was the model of consistency at the plate in Game One, scoring a run apiece in each of the first six innings. The Wolves then countered a three-run eighth by Millersville (2-3) that pulled the Marauders to within a run with a three-run inning of their own in the bottom of the frame.

In Game Two, however, Newberry was forced to overcome a deficit for the hard-fought victory. The Wolves managed just one hit through the first five innings and had 12 straight batters retired, but a booming double by Colin Allman and a Tyler White single on consecutive pitches, followed by a daring double steal that saw Allman swipe home as the unsuspecting Marauders’ pitcher twirled to focus on White breaking for second, sparked the offense to the comeback.

The Wolves scored four runs in the seventh, with the biggest blow coming on a two-run double down the right field line by Danton Hyman that turned a 2-2 tie into a 4-2 advantage.

Millersville retook a 6-5 lead with two runs in the eighth and an unearned run in the ninth, but the Wolves were not to be deterred. Newberry loaded the bases with one out before a Peyton Spangler infield single tied the game. Pinch hitter Kevin Clanton lifted the 10th pitch he saw high above the Smith Road Complex and behind the plate, but the Marauders’ catcher couldn’t corral the ball and was charged with an error.

Given new life, Clanton watched the next offering settle outside to give Newberry the win, its second straight walk-off win via a base on balls. The Wolves defeated Mars Hill 7-6 on a walk by Ben Herring at the 2017 SAC Baseball Championship on April 28.

Herring had a fascinating stat line in the Game One box score, registering a game-high three RBI’s without the benefit of a hit. His first inning sacrifice fly to center plated the game’s first run. He went on to add an RBI groundout in the fifth and a bases-loaded walk that added a critical insurance run as part of Newberry’s three-run eighth.

Millersville cut the lead to 6-5 in the eighth with two RBI singles to left and an unearned run. Trailing by four runs in the ninth after the Wolves’ big inning, the Marauders got a run back and were threatening for more with two on and one out. Designated hitter Ben Snyder lifted a ball to the warning track that was tracked down by Hyman in center for the second out.

With runners on the corners, a sharp liner off the bat of right fielder Dominic Hardaway was speared by ninth inning defensive substitution Spangler at third base to preserve the victory.

The Wolves’ steady approach at the plate helped Newberry create separation throughout the game. Tyler Ackard launched his first home run in a Newberry uniform to left field in the third inning, while a squeeze bunt from Hyman in the sixth provided an additional highlight.